Who remembers my prediction three years ago when I launched Africa Music Law (AML), and the subsequent years later? I said Nigerian artists and musicians would become commonplace in mainstream America. In so many ways, it is already happening. I have been to about four top hotels in several states across America and each time, I hear Asa in the hotel lobby areas when checking in or out.
Also, there is an increased and more meaningful collaboration with our artists especially coming out of Atlanta. Finally, we have our artists making major inroads behind the scenes. For all of you who looked at me like I was crazy back then, y’all should learn to believe me with these things and check my track record for getting these predictions right.
In any event, check out my predictions, and then check out Akon in the video below as he talks about bridging Africa-US relations through music by bringing Nigerian music and artists to mainstream America.
Cheers,
Uduak
Photocredit: Akon’s Facebook Fan Page
Photo description: Akon in recent times in Gabon
13 Predictions for Nigeria’s Music Industry.
(Note: I think I got all except 1 right. At this time, I don’t know what is going on with TruSpot. After my writeup, TruSpot received $2million alleged seed funding and was positioned for success but I am unsure what’s going on).
Watch the video below.
Highlights:
1. His project on Solar Energy in Africa.
2. Has no desire to be President after what happened to Wyclef.
3. If he wasn’t doing music, he would be a detective.
4. It’s easier to break Nigerian music acts into the US market because they speak English fluently.
5. He wants to sign Brymo, Davido and P-Square to Konvict Music because they think outside the box.
6. Come 2015 you will see a flood of Nigerian acts on American radio. He partnered with a particular mainstream radio station so expect it.
Meet Brymo
Am happy for Brymo, for getting good recognition from afican icon like Akon.. Over the past 2 years, Brymo, released best materials will called good music, but his effort did not get the attention he deserve over the years.
Before any of those African acts sign their lives away to a businessman who calls himself a “convict”, they should know that what he speaks of happening in 2015 is already happening now. Here in Washington, D.C., on radio station WPGC, it is not un-common to hear a particular European DJ spin all the hottest Nigerian and Ghanaian tracks on Friday nights. I can’t recall his name, but he has been working to break these artists here for some months now.
All these artists need to do is maintain their online presence, do a bit of touring, and continue to release hot tracks. Before long, they will be seen as mainstream artists here.
There’s no need for them to give any money to Akon. Let him make his own music and profit off of that. Also, back in December 2013, I was in a shopping mall in Trinidad & Tobago, and heard them playing D’banj’s Oliver Twist on the radio. I’m not a fan of his, but I can admit that it was a pleasant surprise to learn that he had broken into radio there.
Bottom Line: Do not enter into any contract with any foreign music companies, Naija artists! It‘s a trap. The day of the traditional record label is over. The internet is all you need to grow your brand. You just have to work much harder at it than you have been.